Pics: Reds play Santa at Alder Hey

Liverpool may be about to enter what's traditionally the busiest period of the season, but on Monday the entire first-team squad took an afternoon out to pay a special festive visit to Alder Hey children's hospital.

The Reds took on the role of Santa Claus for one very special afternoon and made their annual visit to the local hospital to spend time with youngsters who are facing up to the prospect of remaining on the wards for Christmas and beyond.

After finishing a morning training session, the team - along with club mascot Mighty Red - departed Melwood just after lunchtime and arrived at Alder Hey clutching goodie bags filled with LFC merchandise to distribute to children on the wards.

To ensure as many kids as possible got a chance to meet their heroes, the players split up into five groups and made their way around to dish out presents, chat to patients and their families, pose for photos and sign autographs - all while sporting Santa hats.

Liverpool's regular visits to Alder Hey are always poignant afternoons for those involved - and this latest one was no different.

Steven Gerrard explained: "You have mixed emotions - it's nice to put smiles on people's faces and try and cheer the kids up, but some of the wards are really tough. The cancer and intensive care wards are really difficult to cover but it's part of our job today. We enjoy coming here and spending some time with the kids.

"This is my 14th year coming to Alder Hey with the team - and I've done individual stuff over the seasons as well - so I'm probably a little bit more comfortable and don't mind taking the lead. Everyone is mucking in and it's great.

"It's about giving something back. Without being big headed, a lot of people look up to us as footballers, so if we can give a bit of our time back to people who are suffering around Christmas time, cheer the kids up and give them presents then it's great and something that's very important for the club."

Joe Allen, who earlier this year became a father for the first time, added: "It's very tough, but at the same time it's inspiring to see how strong the kids and their parents are.

"I've got a four-month-old little boy and we've definitely had it very easy compared to the parents here. It's great to see all the kids - but more importantly, it's great to see they're getting great care.

"I found it really tough, actually - being a father myself probably adds to it and makes you realise how lucky you are."

Though hospital staff tried to keep Liverpool's visit a surprise, news quickly spread and caused excitement among patients and their families.

Luis Suarez said: "It's so nice to come here and see the children. It's very important. When you have children yourself, it makes you realise how lucky you are."

Pepe Reina added: "As always, it's emotional to come here - but we're always happy to do anything we can for the kids. We enjoy seeing them smile.

"As a human being you have a responsibility - not just as a footballer - it's about trying to be a good guy and helping others to be a little bit more happy."